[Raiser, more answers]
It was with a glance around the room Korleon looked to her placing his hands on the table, "Ma'am, one question is more important than any other right now. Are you certain this is the direction you wish to go?"
The question burned in Cathy's chest, it was almost the same the words Vice Admiral Yan had used when she told him the very same news. Matching his gaze was easy, but saying the words would be harder. So many had faltered, relented under the scrutiny and peer pressure. So many times she had had to ask her the same thing but it was reasoning for staying, not going. She could not show the regret, and in the minute pause, she realised that she did really want to do this. Jack needed her and, for once, she would listen.
The words were like a solid right punch to the jaw of the situation, echoing in the deathly silent meeting room,
"Yes."
The fire was in her eyes, conviction in her voice. She had made the decision and now she must walk the path. 'Through adversity to the stars' as the quote went. She let the words hang a moment longer, before continuing,
"From the moment I accepted the post of CTO mere months into my post as an newly qualified TO, to the moment I decided to accept the XO post on the Perseus, despite being unable to stand upright. At every junction, every major choice, there has always been that little voice that whispers 'no'. Through all the adversity that the universe that throws at us, we will overcome."
"My past belongs to Starfleet. I have spent more time onboard its majestic starships than I have any where else. I lost family, friends, free time and even the prospect of having my own family..." she paused, her eyes glancing her stomach briefly, realizing none but Dutch would know what she meant,
"I lost my nearest and dearest best friend to the challenges of the Federation..."
'And would have done anything to be there to prevent it'"So, when presented with an opportunity to be there for the next person closest to my heart that is still alive, I cannot refuse."
Her jaw set, she was rambling, but, perhaps, it was cathartic for them to see her own selfish, emotional reasons for this.
"I do not expect you all to understand, nor do I want it simplified into a trivial statement like the captain is doing this purely out of love for another."
'...Someone I love more than my crew?' her mind buckled under the idea
"I regret nothing on this path, nor will I regret this choice in front of me." the first part was a lie, a blatant one to which her right leg reminded her of. Yet, she remained standing, she had to keep the upperhand in this situation. She waited, her eyes looking at the others, waiting for any other questions they may ask in front of the others.
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Capt. Catherine Raiser, USS Victoria (ret.)
Cathy Knights
